From tragedy to triumph: An organization dedicated helping young people learn life-changing skills in the food industry is basking in the success of one its own, while just weeks ago, Café Reconcile became the shoulder to lean on for those crippled in grief.

"We're going to be here to support young people when they succeed, but we're also here to support them when the floor falls out from under their feet." Said David Emond.

It’s a dichotomy he knows all too well. Weeks ago, he and others stood in support of Andrea Samuels, an employee of Café Reconcile, whose 13-month-old daughter Londyn was murdered on Aug. 29 near Washington and South Saratoga in Central City.

"That really takes all the air out of our sails and makes it so hard, because we see all of the potential that has been lost," said Emond.

Potential that for Chris Okorie, was realized. A graduate of the program that teaches culinary skills to at-risk youth, Okorie received a scholarship, funded by world famous chef John Besh, to the International Culinary Center in New York. While there, he won Best Chef under 25. Now he's headed to Italy to study the country's cuisine.

"I really want something in life now. I really want to become a sous chef one day, an executive chef and own my own restaurant one day," said Okorie

That’s a stark contrast from the Chris Okorie who came to Café Reconcile in 2010 having previously lost his mother during Hurricane Katrina and was lost himself.

Until…

"This homeless guy told us about Café Reconcile, and I was a little skeptical," said Okorie.

Still, he took the advice, and the rest as they say is gravy.

"When you see young people like that, that's all they are really looking for is opportunity," said Joron "Chef Joe" Smith of Café Reconcile.

"He's really showing all of these youth that are involved in our program now that the sky really is the limit for them. They can go as far as their desire really wants to take them," said Emond.